§ Mrs. GormanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much the introduction of testing for seven, 11, 14 and 16-year-olds will cost; what is the estimated annual cost; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe costs will depend on the nature of the tests and assessment arrangements required for various national curriculum subjects. My right hon. Friend will be reaching decisions on these matters, in the light of advice from subject working groups and the task group on assessment and testing. Overall, the Government expect the implementation of the national curriculum and assessment to be contained within its planned level of provision for education, where necessary by redeploying and using resources more effectively.